A year ago almost to the day, I met a great guy at Interbike – Glenn Kalnins – who is a rep…and evangelist!…for SnapOn tools and their new line of Torque wrenches from their sub-brand CDI. I secured a set of these wrenches given all the carbon fiber I am mounting, dismounting, carrying, cleaning and working on these days. I do not want to take any chances with over tightening and thus, these CDI Wrenches have played a major role in my bike maintenance (and longevity of my frames!). There is a 4, 5 and 6 Nm ‘handle’ available. I’ve had them for a few months now and have even put them on the workbenches of the pro mechanics at Boulder Cycle Sport. We all agree that the ergonomics and most importantly versatility of the various Allen and Torx heads (see picture above) are KEY versus the other styles of torque wrench.

The good folks at Snap-On/CDI sent me this data below about the wrenches that I wanted to share. You can source them through your LBS as they now are distributed through QBP and other distributors.

NEW PRESET TORQUE LIMITING T-HANDLE FROM CDI PREVENTS OVER TORQUING OF BICYCLE FASTENERS

New tool for the cycling industry, the CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle is a convenient, economical and accurate tool for low-torque applications

Kenosha, Wis., September 7, 2011 – Tightening fasteners on lightweight carbon fiber and titanium-framed bicycles and bicycle components correctly can be difficult for any cyclist. Applying too much or too little torque can damage a component, a bicycle frame, and pose a risk to the rider.

That’s why the new CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle from Snap-on IndustrialBrands takes the guesswork out of making adjustments by applying just the right amount of torque to bicycle fasteners. What truly distinguishes the CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle from other competing products is that it comes with a built in cam-over torque limiting clutch, which prevents the user from over-torquing fasteners. Here’s how the CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle works:

When tightening a fastener, the user hears a click, signifying that the CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle has applied the proper amount of torque. Even if the user inadvertently continues to turn the tool following the click, no additional torque is applied. This design prevents users from over-torquing fasteners, which can damage components. With competitors’ products, users also hear a click, but there is nothing preventing them from turning past that and over-tightening the fastener.

The CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handle comes calibrated and ready to use in three torque ranges that are color-coded for easy identification: 4Nm (yellow); 5Nm (orange); and 6Nm (white). Other features of the CDI Preset T-Handle include:

· Magnetic shank to interchange bits as needed

· Rounded T-Handle grip for added comfort

· Certificate of calibration

Although new to the market, the torque tool is already receiving praise from cycling industry insiders. Jim O’Brien, Bissell Pro Cycling Team mechanic, was asked in the July 2011 issue of Road Magazine what are his favorite tools. He said, “That might change from year to year based on which manufacturer’s components we are using, but right now it’s a set of pre-set torque t-handles from Snap-on. I have a different one for 4Nm, 5Nm and 6Nm, and the bits interchange for all the hex sizes. With all the carbon and titanium out there right now, only a rich fool sets torque by feel. These things are sexier than red socks on a rooster!”

The CDI Preset Torque Limiting T-Handles retails for $30 each, and are available at your local bike shop through Quality Bicycle Products (QBP), Bicycle Technologies International (BTI), United Bicycle Supply and The Hawley Company. For more information, call Snap-on Industrial at 800.446.7404.